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Pathway

São Tomé and Príncipe Spouse Residence

Sao Tome and Principe Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If your spouse has held a valid residence certificate in São Tomé and Príncipe for at least one year, they can apply to bring you to join them. You also need accepted evidence of earlier family life or dependency, suitable housing, and enough financial support.

Spouse's residence history
A valid residence certificate held for at least one year
Family connection
Accepted evidence of earlier family life or dependency
Support
Suitable housing and enough funds for the family

Summary

A qualifying resident's married spouse can apply to join them in São Tomé and Príncipe, using the sponsor's residence history and evidence of earlier family life or dependency. Marriage and personal records support that relationship evidence, while housing and financial documents show how the household will be supported.

The spouse's certificate normally follows the sponsor's permission, with a two-year term for family of a permanent resident. Renewal remains conditional, and work rights need separate confirmation. Unmarried partners and other relatives use different evidence rules.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Your spouse must meet the one-year residence-certificate requirement. Provide accepted evidence that you previously lived as a family or that you were dependent on your spouse, along with marriage and personal records.

Show suitable housing and enough money to support the family. Confirm that your spouse's residence status and your supporting documents meet the family-reunification rules—the rules for bringing family members to live together.

Joining a resident spouse in São Tomé and Príncipe
  1. Check your spouse’s residence history Confirm the one-year requirement and qualifying family connection.
  2. Document the family arrangements Prepare marriage, housing, support, and personal records.
  3. Apply to live together Follow the approved certificate term and renewal conditions.

The family certificate’s term depends on the spouse’s residence status.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you receive a renewable family residence certificate, normally linked to your spouse's permit term. Under Article 68, family members of a permanent resident receive a renewable two-year certificate.

What This Route Is Not

This guide covers the married spouse of a qualifying resident. Unmarried partners and other relatives have different evidence rules. Marriage does not grant citizenship, and you should check work conditions separately.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm your spouse's qualifying residence history and the earlier-family-life or dependency requirement.
  2. Gather marriage, residence, housing, financial-support, and personal records.
  3. Have your spouse apply through the responsible immigration authority, then follow the issued certificate's conditions and renewal dates.

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Discussed in these reports

Other routes in Sao Tome and Principe.

Sources